Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Common Names

Bearberry, Kinnikinnick, Mealberry, Hog Cranberry, Sandberry, Mountain Box, Bear's Grape

Summary

Bearberry forms a circumboreal, extremely winter-hardy creeping evergreen shrub that creates a dense ground-cover mat. Typically 6–12 inches tall and 3–6 feet wide, it features glossy leaves that stay green year-round with bronze to reddish winter color, and urn-shaped white-to-pink flowers in spring followed by bright red berries that persist into winter.

It prefers very well-drained acidic soils (pH 4.5–5.5) in full sun to part shade, is drought-tolerant once established, and tolerates poor infertile soils and salt spray; propagation is by seed or cuttings, with seeds requiring scarification and stratification. Hardy to USDA zones 2–6, maintenance is minimal; it serves as an erosion-control ground cover on slopes, in rock gardens, borders, and native plantings, while providing wildlife value and year-round interest.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

36-72 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 2-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun or Partial Sun/Partial Shade

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5–5.5), preferably sandy or gritty

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-5.5

Acidic soil

Bloom Color

White to pink

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators